Hairstylists Secret Weapons

When Kristen Stewart wants to darken her hair color or Cate Blanchett wants to freshen up her highlights, who do they call? Celebrity hairstylists, and they have to be the most sought-after colorists and trendsetters in Hollywood. Case in point: Remember when January Jones was one of the first celebs to try out the color trend with those pretty rose gold highlights? That was the work of Jennifer J. Essentially, she is a veritable master when it comes to all things hair.

I found out about the products she loves most. She's familiar with just about every hair tool and professional hair product on earth, so obviously I was curious to know what got her golden stamp of approval. Not only did Jennifer J. have some fabulous tips for maintaining your color (she is one of the world's leading colorists, after all), she also had some great tricks for keeping your hair strong, healthy, and gorgeous -- whether you dye or not.

So what made the cut? Jennifer J.'s all-time faves run the gamut from luxurious splurge items to fantastic drugstore buys. Take a peek at her ultimate list and you'll be way ahead of the hair curve.

Kerastase Ciment Thermique

Blow dryers, straightening irons, and curling rods put our hair through major heat stress. That's why using a product that will protect your hair is non-negotiable. "The Kerastase Ciment Thermique, £16.05, is my favorite heat-activated product," says Jennifer J. "It conditions your hair as you use your hot tool," she says. And while it is a cream, Jennifer J. loves it because it's not heavy, so it won't weigh your hair down.

"Since I'm a colorist, there are times that I dye and style my hair, not even caring that I'm risking damage. I just want the look," she says. "But the Ciment Thermique restores my hair -- no matter what I put it through -- keeping it looking healthy and fabulous."

Turbie Twist Hair Towel

Instead of drying your hair with a regular bath towel, Jennifer J. recommends the Turbie Twist, £4.99, a mini-towel which makes creating the "post-shower towel turban" oh so simple. "This is the best money I ever spent," she says. The material is super-absorbent, so it dramatically reduces your blow dry time, which means less heat damage.

Jennifer J. also suggests wearing the Turbie Twist while you take a bath or shave your legs before going out. "Your hair won't get frizzy while you're running the hot water, and it'll save your blow out," she says.

Wella Professional Brilliance Shampoo and Conditioner

Want to get more mileage out of your highlights? Jennifer J. likes Wella Professional Brilliance Shampoo and Conditioner, £8 each, from the brand's shine-enhancing line for color-treated hair.

"A lot of people spend their money on color, but then don't want to spend even more cash on another product to help maintain their shade. Luckily this line is so reasonably priced, especially considering it will help you get the most out of your color treatment," she says.

Wet Brush

At first glance, the Wet Brush, £5.96, looks like your everyday hairbrush, so what makes this a hairstylist's secret weapon? "This brush is made specifically for wet hair, and it glides through tangles so smoothly," says Jennifer J.

"I use this brush on women after they have their highlights done, and their hair is still wet," she says. "I don't like using combs as much because they don't have a handle; you have more control with the Wet Brush."

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

The Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, £18, gives you glamorous hair in just a spritz or two. "This is a dry hairspray, which builds volume and gives your hair amazing texture," says Jennifer J. "But it's different from a hairspray or a dry shampoo, because you can brush it right out of your hair without any residue -- no need to wash it out."

So how does a dry texturizing spray work, exactly? "You just hold your hair up, and spray at the roots where you want to absorb oil and add texture," she says. "It's an awesome shortcut to volume."

Shu Uemura Silk Bloom Restorative Conditioner

"Out of anything I've ever used, this is absolutely the best deep conditioner you can buy," says Jennifer J. And yes, the Shu Uemura Restorative Conditioner, £27.65, comes with a pretty hefty price tag, but the product itself is so long-lasting that it'll take you forever to go through a whole tub. "It penetrates the hair, making it so soft to the touch." she says.

The key ingredient in the Shu Uemura conditioner is argan oil, so if you can't swing the £27.65, try Rusk Restorative Conditioner With Argan Oil, £15.50. But if you do feel like splurging on the Shu Uemura conditioner, Jennifer J. promises it's worth it. "It's one of those products that manages to moisturize better than any other I've used," she says.

Goody Spin Pin

The metal corkscrew-shaped Goody Spin Pin, £5.50, looks like something you'd buy at a hardware store, but it's actually the ultimate bobby pin. "This is the pin you want to use if you're putting your hair in a bun," says Jennifer J. Instead of cramming your head with a handful of bobby pins, you only need one or two Spin Pins. Just twist the pin into the area where you would place a bobby pin, and keep twisting it inward until it is entirely concealed in your hair. "I'm amazed at how tightly it holds my low, messy buns," she says.

T3 Single Pass Whirl Wand

Beachy, sexy waves are one of the most coveted hairstyles right now, and Jennifer J. swears by the T3 Single Pass Whirl Wand, £87.80, when it comes to getting the perfect waves. "The wand gets so hot, so you don't need to spend a lot of time curling. It majorly reduces your prep time before you go out," she says. "Plus, it creates a looser curl, which is so on-trend and pretty."

Malibu C Hard Water Treatment

You may not even realize it, but if you live in a place with hard water (meaning your water has a high mineral content), showering can dull your hair, leaving it brassy or even slightly greenish. But there's a way to fight this, says Jennifer J. Use the Malibu C Hard Water Treatment Packets, £10 for a 12-pack, "The Malibu Treatment will restore your hair from the damage hard water has done, leaving you with shiny, pretty color," she says.











I'm really sorry that this post is so late today, I was having problems with Blogger.  I hope you've enjoyed this look into a celebrity hairstylist and what her favourite products might be.

Have a fantastic weekend filled with fun and frollicks.  The UK is expecting some great weather, so I'll be enjoying a bit of tanning perhaps.  Let me know what your plans are.

xoxo,
Angelique